Variable-capacity swashplate-type compressor

ABSTRACT

A variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor including: a lug plate coupled to a swash plate so as to be fixed to a driving shaft; and the swash plate coupled to the lug plate and having a varying inclination angle while making a rotational motion. The swash plate includes a body, and first and second arms that protrude from the body toward the lug plate and are spaced apart from each other. The lug plate includes a plate, a center lug arm that protrudes from the plate to be inserted between the first and second arms and is coupled to the body of the swash plate, and left and right lug arms that protrude from the plate to be spaced apart from each other and support both sides of each of the first and second arms.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor having an improved connection structure of a lug plate and a swash plate.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an air conditioning device used in an automobile is a device that keeps the temperature of an automobile indoor lower than the temperature of an outside using a refrigerant, and includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator so as to configure a circulation cycle of the refrigerant.

Such a compressor is a device that compresses and transports the refrigerant and is driven by power of an engine or a motor.

A swash plate-type compressor can be classified into a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor in which a disc-shaped swash plate has a varying inclination angle according to rotation of a driving shaft to which power of the engine is supplied, and a fixed swash plate-type compressor in which the disc-shaped swash plate is fixedly installed on the driving shaft to which power of the engine is supplied.

In the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor, the inclination angle of the swash plate varies consecutively according to a variation of thermal load, and the transportation amount of a piston is controlled so that a flow can be precisely controlled, and a change in rapid torque of the engine caused by the compressor is prevented so that riding comfort of the automobile can be improved.

Regarding a connection structure of a lug plate and the swash plate of a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to the related art, protrusions that protrude toward the swash plate are formed on the lug plate, and arms having a moving roller that rolls and moves in contact with the protrusions, are formed in the swash plate. The lug plate and the swash plate are connected to each other due to surface contact between the protrusions and the arms.

In this case, inclination movement in which the inclination angle of the swash plate varies with respect to the lug plate, and transfer of a rotational force for transferring a rotational force of the lug plate to the arms of the swash plate are performed simultaneously on both sides of one side and the other side of the protrusions. Thus, inclination movement and rotation are not smoothly performed, and load is concentrated on the protrusions of the lug plate so that durability is lowered and damage easily occurs due to cracks caused by lowered durability.

Meanwhile, the prior art that is the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1193399.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention provides a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor having an improved connection structure of a lug plate and a swash plate so as to disperse rotational torque, compressive load, and torsional moment, which are applied to the swash plate and the lug plate.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor including: a lug plate coupled to a swash plate so as to be fixed to a driving shaft; and the swash plate coupled to the lug plate and having a varying inclination angle while making a rotational motion, wherein the swash plate may include a body, and first and second arms that protrude from the body toward the lug plate and are spaced apart from each other, and the lug plate may include a plate, a center lug arm that protrudes from the plate to be inserted between the first and second arms and is coupled to the body of the swash plate, and left and right lug arms that protrude from the plate to be spaced apart from each other and support both sides of each of the first and second arms.

At least one part of spaces C₂ and C₃ between the first and second arms of the swash plate and one side of the center lug arm and spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms may be spaced apart from each other so that a clearance is formed.

When the driving shaft rotates, at least one of the left lug arm, the right lug arm, the center lug arm, and the first and second arms may be twisted so that at least a part of two facing surfaces in a state in which the clearance is disposed between the two facing faces, is in contact with each other.

Each of the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms may be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming left and right clearances, and both sides of each of the first and second arms and the center lug arm may be spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a center clearance.

Surfaces placed in one among spaces between the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms and spaces between the left and right lug arms and the center lug arm may be in contact with each other, thereby forming a torque transfer surface that transfers power for rotating the swash plate.

When a torque transfer surface is formed in a position of a space C₃ between the second arm and one side of the center lug arm, the center clearance C₂ may have a greater gap than that of the left clearance C₁ (C₁<C₂).

When a torque transfer surface is formed in a position of a space C₁ between the first arm and the left lug arm, the one-side center clearance C₃ may have a greater gap than that of the other-side center clearance C₂ (C₂<C₃).

A through hole through which the center lug arm of the lug plate passes, may be formed in the swash plate, and surface contact portions may be formed on both sides of the through hole and may face both sides of the center lug arm.

Effect of the Invention

In a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to at least one of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a pair of arms of a swash plate, and a center lug arm and left and right lug arms of a lug plate are arranged by engaging with each other, so as to disperse torsional moment and support the lug plate when the lug plate rotates, thereby reducing the load applied to the respective arms. Therefore, controllability and durability of the swash plate can be improved.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the usage state of movement of the swash plate in the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a lug plate of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1 and a side view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the swash plate of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1 and a side view thereof.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lug plate and the swash plate of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

According to the present invention, at least one of spaces C₂ and C₃ between first and second arms of a swash plate and sides of a center lug arm of a lug plate and spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms and left and right lug arms of the lug plate are spaced apart from each other so that a clearance can be formed, and surfaces placed in one of spaces between the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms and spaces between the left and right lug arms and the center lug arm are in contact with each other, thereby forming a torque transfer surface that transfers power for rotating the swash plate so that a connection structure of the lug plate and the swash plate is improved and rotational torque, compressive load and torsional moment, which are applied to the swash plate and the lug plate, can be dispersed.

Modes of the Invention

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing this, the terms or words used in the present specification and the claims should not be interpreted to be limited in a general or dictionary sense but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept that comply with the technical concept of the present invention based on a principle that the inventor can define the concept of the terms properly so as to describe his/her own invention in a best manner.

Therefore, embodiments described in the present specification and configuration shown in the drawings are just exemplary embodiments of the invention and do not represent the technical concept of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various modifications that may replace the embodiments of the present specification and the drawings at the time of filing the present application.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor according to the present invention includes a driving shaft 20, a lug plate 100 coupled to a swash plate 200 so as to be fixed to the driving shaft 20, and the swash plate 200 coupled to the lug plate 100 and having a varying inclination angle while making a rotational motion.

The driving shaft 20 has a straight rod shape and is fixedly coupled to the lug plate 100. Thus, as the driving shaft 20 rotates, the lug plate 100 is simultaneously rotated so that the driving shaft 20 transfers power for rotating the lug plate 100.

The lug plate 100 is coupled to the swash plate 200 to be fixed to the driving shaft 20 so as to be rotated together when the driving shaft 20 rotates. The lug plate 100 includes a plate 110, a center lug arm 120, and left and right lug arms 131 and 132.

Also, the plate 110 forms a body of the lug plate 100 and has an approximately circular shape, and the center lug arm 120 and the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 are formed at one side of the plate.

The center lug arm 120 protrudes from the plate 110 to be inserted between a pair of arms 211 and 212 that protrude from the swash plate 200 and is coupled to a body 210 of the swash plate 200. The center lug arm 120 passes through the body 210 of the swash plate 200 and transfers rotational moment for rotating the swash plate 200.

The center lug arm 120 is disposed in the center of the left and right lug arms 131 and 132, and the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 protrude from the plate 110 to be spaced apart from each other. At least a part of the first and second arms 211 and 212 that form a pair protruding from the swash plate 200 are supported on both sides of each of the left and right lug arms 131 and 132.

The swash plate 200 includes the body 210, and the pair of arms 211 and 212 that protrude from the body 210 toward the lug plate 100 to be spaced apart from each other.

The first and second arms 211 and 212 that forms a pair are in contact with the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and the center lug arm 120 so as to disperse rotational moment transferred to the swash plate 200 while the lug plate 100 rotates. Thus, problems of lowered durability or cracks due to load concentrated on one place (in particular, an end of the center lug arm 120) can be overcome.

In this case, a clearance 300 may be formed with a predetermined gap in a space between the first and second arms 211 and 212 that forms a pair, the left and right lug arms 131 and 132, and both sides that are one side and the other side of the center lug arm 120.

The clearance 300 may be formed with the predetermined gap when at least one part of spaces C₂ and C₃ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 that forms a pair of the swash plate 200 and both sides 120 a and 120 b of the center lug arm 120 and spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 of the swash plate 200 and the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 are spaced apart from each other.

In this case, at least one part of the spaces C₂ and C₃ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 and both sides 120 a and 120 b of the center lug arm 120 and the spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 and the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 may be in contact with each other, thereby forming a torque transfer surface 400 for rotational moment.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the torque transfer surface 400 is formed in a position of the space C₃ between the second arm 212 and the other side 120 b of the center lug arm 120, the spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 and the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming left and right clearances 310 and 320, and the space C₂ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 and the one side of the center lug arm 120 are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a center clearance 330.

In this case, the center clearance 330 in the space C₂ between the first and second arms 211 and 212 and the one side of the center lug arm 120 may have a greater gap than that of the left clearance 310 in the space C₁ between the first arm 211 and the left lug arm 131 (C₁<C₂).

Hereinafter, driving of the respective lug arms 120, 131, and 132 and a pair of arms 211 and 212 when the driving shaft 20 rotates will be described.

When the driving shaft 20 rotates, at least one of the left lug arm 131, the right lug arm 132, the center lug arm 120, and the pair of arms 211 and 212 is twisted. Subsequently, at least a part of two facing surfaces in a state in which the clearance 300 is formed between the two facing surfaces, is in contact with each other due to torsion. In detail, one of the left lug arm 131 and the first arm 211 may be twisted and in contact with each other, or one of the first arm 211 and the center lug arm 120 may be twisted and in contact with each other. Also, one of the second arm 212 and the right lug arm 132 may be twisted and in contact with each other.

In this case, the left and right clearances 310 and 320 may have a smaller gap than that of the center clearance 330 so that, when the driving shaft 20 rotates, the pair of arms 211 and 212 are twisted, the twisted pair of arms 211 and 212 are firstly in contact with the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and then are in contact with the center lug arm 120. This is because a rotational force is concentrated on the center lug arm 120 and thus the left lug arm 131 and the first arm 211 are firstly in contact with each other and the rotational force and torsional moment can be dispersed.

Sides of one of the pair of arms 211 and 212 are in contact with the center lug arm 120 so that the torque transfer surface 400 that transfers power for rotating the swash plate 200 can be formed.

Referring to the drawing, the center lug arm 120 directly presses the second arm 212 via the torque transfer surface 400 so that the rotational force for rotating the swash plate 200 can be transferred in a wide range. In other words, the rotational force is transferred via the torque transfer surface 400 for rotational moment as well as a surface that the center lug arm passes through the body 210 and then directly contacts, so that load can be prevented from being concentrated.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the usage state of movement of the swash plate 200 in the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, the swash plate 200 is formed to be rotated relative to the lug plate 100. A pair of arms (see 211 and 212 of FIG. 1) of the swash plate 200 are in contact with an inclination surface (see 112 of FIG. 3) formed on the lug plate 100 and slide thereon so that the inclination angle of the swash plate 200 may vary. Also, a spring is provide on a rear surface of the swash plate 200 and presses the swash plate 200 toward the lug plate 100 so that the swash plate 200 and the lug plate 100 cannot be separated from each other.

Meanwhile, a through hole (see 230 of FIG. 5) is formed in the center of the body 210 of the swash plate 200 so that the driving shaft (see 20 of FIG. 1) is not caught on the swash plate 200 according to rotation.

FIG. 4 is a view of the lug plate 100 of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a view of the swash plate 200 of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1.

First, referring to FIG. 4, (a) of FIG. 4 is a top view of the lug plate 100, and (b) of FIG. 4 is a side view of the lug plate 100.

In this case, the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and the center lug arm 120 are formed on the lug plate 100, and the inclination surface 112 is formed between the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and the center lug arm 120, and the inclination surface 112 may be in contact with fore-ends of the pair of arms 211 and 212 of the swash plate 200, and compressive load may be applied to the inclination surface 112.

The center lug arm 120 protrudes from the plate 110 to be longer than the left and right lug arms 131 and 132. This is because the fore-ends of the center lug arm 120 pass through the swash plate 200 and transfer rotational force to the swash plate 200.

Ends 110 a of the inclination surface 112 may be formed to be compressed and supported in such a way that the pair of arms 211 and 212 of the swash plate 200 do not ascend any longer.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the swash plate of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1 and a side view thereof.

Referring to FIG. 5, (a) of FIG. 5 is a top view of the swash plate 200, and (b) of FIG. 5 is a side view of the swash plate 200.

A through hole 230 through which the center lug arm 120 of the lug plate 100 passes, is formed in the swash plate 200. Surface contact portions that face both sides 120 a and 120 b of the center lug arm 120 may be formed on both sides 231 and 232 of the through hole 230. Through the surface contacting portions 234, rotational force may be transferred from the fore-ends of the center lug arm 120.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lug plate 100 and the swash plate 200 of the variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor illustrated in FIG. 1.

(a) of FIG. 6 illustrates the swash plate 200, and (b) of FIG. 6 illustrates the lug plate 100.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 6, a pair of arms 211 and 212 protrude from the body 210 of the swash plate 200 toward one side, and the through hole 230 through an opening is formed between the pair of arms 211 and 212.

As described above, when the swash plate 200 is rotated by rotation of the lug plate 100, at least one arm of the first arm 211 and the second arm 212 is twisted, is in contact with the center lug arm or the left and right lug arms, and torsional moment is applied to the at least one arm of the first arm 211 and the second arm 212. The torsional moment is transferred in a direction F₁.

Meanwhile, the center lug arm 120 is in contact with the first arm 211 so that rotational force can be transferred to the first arm 211 via a rotational torque transfer surface (see 400 of FIG. 1). In this case, rotational force is applied to an inside surface of the first arm 211, and the rotational force is applied to the first arm 211 in a direction F₂.

Because the pair of arms 211 and 212 slide while being in contact with the inclination surface 112, compressive load with respect to the inclination surface 112 may be applied to the fore-ends of the pair of arms 211 and 212 in a direction F₃.

Next, referring to (b), the inclination surface 112 is formed on the lug plate 100 and guides inclination movement while being in surface contact with the fore-ends of the pair of arms of the swash plate 200. The inclination surface 112 is formed between the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and the center lug arm 120, respectively, so that the pair of arms are engaged with each other through the inclination surface 112 and are supported thereon.

Torsional moment is applied to the right lug arm 132 in a position of the right lug arm 132 facing the second arm 212 in the direction F₁. Rotational force applied as a reaction while applying force for rotating the swash plate 200 using the lug plate 100 is applied to one side of the fore-ends of the center lug arm 120 in the direction F₂.

As described above, the pair of arms 211 and 212 are supported on the inclination surface 112, and compressive load is applied to the direction F₃.

When describing another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 7, when the torque transfer surface 400 is formed in a position of the space C₁ between the first arm 211 and the left lug arm 131, the center first and second clearances 310 and 320 are formed in the spaces C₂ and C₃ between both sides of the left and right lug arms 131 and 132 and the center lug arm 120 to be spaced apart from each other, and the right clearance 330 may be formed when the space C₄ between the second arms 211 and 212 and the right lug arm 132 are spaced apart from each other.

In this case, the center second clearance 320 may have a greater gap than that of the center first clearance 310 (C₂<C₃).

This is because rotational force is concentrated on the left lug arm 131 and thus the center first and second clearances 310 and 320 are firstly in contact with each other so as to disperse rotational force and torsional moment.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor comprising: a lug plate coupled to a swash plate so as to be fixed to a driving shaft; and the swash plate coupled to the lug plate and having a varying inclination angle while making a rotational motion, wherein the swash plate comprises a body, and first and second arms that protrude from the body toward the lug plate and are spaced apart from each other, and the lug plate comprises a plate, a center lug arm that protrudes from the plate to be inserted between the first and second arms and is coupled to the body of the swash plate, and left and right lug arms that protrude from the plate to be spaced apart from each other and support both sides of each of the first and second arms.
 2. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 1, wherein at least one part of spaces C₂ and C₃ between the first and second arms of the swash plate and one side of the center lug arm and spaces C₁ and C₄ between the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms are spaced apart from each other so that a clearance is formed.
 3. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 2, wherein, when the driving shaft rotates, at least one of the left lug arm, the right lug arm, the center lug arm, and the first and second arms is twisted so that at least a part of two facing surfaces in a state in which the clearance is disposed between the two facing faces, is in contact with each other.
 4. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming left and right clearances, and both sides of each of the first and second arms and the center lug arm are spaced apart from each other, thereby forming a center clearance.
 5. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 2, wherein surfaces placed in one among spaces between the first and second arms and the left and right lug arms and spaces between the left and right lug arms and the center lug arm are in contact with each other, thereby forming a torque transfer surface that transfers power for rotating the swash plate.
 6. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 5, wherein, when a torque transfer surface is formed in a position of a space C₃ between the second arm and one side of the center lug arm, the center clearance C₂ has a greater gap than that of the left clearance C₁ (C₁<C₂).
 7. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 5, wherein, when a torque transfer surface is formed in a position of a space C₁ between the first arm and the left lug arm, the one-side center clearance C₃ has a greater gap than that of the other-side center clearance C₂ (C₂<C₃).
 8. The variable-capacity swash plate-type compressor of claim 1, wherein a through hole through which the center lug arm of the lug plate passes, is formed in the swash plate, and surface contact portions are formed on both sides of the through hole and face both sides of the center lug arm. 